New York Times ‘Wouldn’t Recognize’ Real Scandal

The liberal media is trying to drag down Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin by playing up the “scandal” angle, former Sen. and Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said on Tuesday.

(CNSNews.com) - Former Sen. Fred Thompson, himself a presidential hopeful earlier in the campaign, plans to address the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night. He told Fox News his message will be “John McCain.”

“We’ll talk a little bit about the fact that there’s never been a time in our history when it’s more important for a leader to have the characteristics that John has -- character, courage, and proven leadership.”

In his Tuesday morning interview with Fox News, Thompson also talked about McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who “excites people like I’ve never seen.”

He criticized the liberal media for trying to discredit a woman of accomplishment:

“I noticed the New York Times this morning had three stories on their front page that are essentially about Sarah Palin’s children. I don’t think they get it. I don’t think they have a clue as to what is going on out in the country …They are trying their best to drag her down in any way and apply a double standard to her that they wouldn’t apply to anybody else,” Thompson said.

“The New York Times wouldn’t recognize a scandal if it walked down Main Street under a spotlight until it got to be a Republican or someone like Sarah Palin,” he added.

It’s not just the NY Times, Thompson said. He pointed a finger at liberal bloggers as well: “It just goes to show they’re in a state of panic over this woman, because they weren’t on the inside when her selection was made. And I can conclude some Republicans are a little bit sore because they were not there when the decision was made.

“John McCain made a John McCain decision. It was one that he made, against the grain, on his terms, and he picked someone who mirrors him in many ways….”

Thompson said a lot of people, including many women, identify with Palin because she stood up to power, she’s accomplished and successful, and she’s the only person in the presidential race on either side with executive experience.

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) also is scheduled to address the convention on Tuesday night, and so is President George W. Bush -- by video link from the White House, reports said. Gov. Palin will speak either Wednesday or Thursday night, reports said.